By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the January 6th attack, Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes was charged with seditious conspiracy and subsequently found guilty, receiving an 18-year prison sentence. However, Rhodes was pardoned by Donald Trump in January 2025, leading to his release. Rhodes has since announced plans to “relaunch” and “rebuild” the Oath Keepers, citing the current political climate as justification for potential actions. He expressed his belief that Trump could call upon the militia to address perceived invasions, insurrections, and resistance to federal law, and stated his desire for Trump to command them.
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With a Trump pardon in hand, Stewart Rhodes says he’s ‘rebuilding’ the Oath Keepers, a concerning development to say the least. It’s hard to ignore the implications, especially when coupled with the details that have emerged. The language used in certain transcripts, hinting at violence and the desire to “fix” things by any means necessary, is genuinely disturbing. The idea of forming paramilitaries with the potential to be federalized is particularly alarming, especially given the history and intentions of the Oath Keepers.
The very notion of the President, in this case, potentially Trump, having the power to call up the “unorganized militia” alongside the National Guard raises serious questions about the balance of power and the potential for misuse. This goes beyond the usual political back-and-forth. It touches on fundamental issues of safety and the rule of law. It’s a reality that evokes the need to closely watch and hold accountable those who might be involved.
The core issue here is not just about the Oath Keepers themselves; it’s about the broader context of extremist groups and their potential impact on society. The rhetoric of “taking back the country” and the willingness to resort to violence are dangerous. It’s important to remember the Oath Keepers’ history, the alleged “treason oopsie,” and the deep-seated distrust and dislike towards them from within. The fact that his own board members called him names, and their opinions of him are so low, adds to the complexity.
The suggestion that the focus of some of these groups is to go after immigrants is nothing short of terrifying. The idea of vigilante groups acting as law enforcement, potentially motivated by prejudice, is a clear violation of human rights and the principles of a fair and just society. The fact that the rhetoric and actions of such groups align with past historical events is a sign of what could occur.
The fact that Rhodes shot himself in the eye is just another detail that adds to the bizarre and tragic circumstances surrounding this man. It raises the question of mental stability and the judgment of someone attempting to rebuild the group. The details in the transcript, including the comments about violence and the desire for rifles, demonstrate a complete lack of regard for the rule of law and a blatant disregard for basic human decency.
The fact that these individuals are potentially being put back on the street, especially after being convicted of seditious conspiracy, is a grave concern. The pardon by Trump is being seen by many as a dangerous precedent, and a green light to continue such actions. The fact that they can just “rebuild” after their actions speaks volumes.
The implications of all of this are massive. The potential for political unrest and violence is very real. It’s clear that the actions of these groups pose a threat to democracy, and they should be taken very seriously. The whole situation is deeply unsettling.
There is a question about what oath are the Oath Keepers actually keeping? And with what they’ve done previously, are they any different than those they claim to fight against? The fact that a group is named the “Oath Keepers” yet is involved in these types of activities is highly ironic. It is a perversion of the values they claim to uphold.
The calls for accountability are growing. The idea of the group being watched, and the constant awareness of their potential for unlawful action, are necessary. The hope is that the legal system and the government will prevent any future incidents.
In this context, it is crucial for law enforcement, and the public, to remain vigilant. The actions of the Oath Keepers are not just political disagreements; they are a threat to peace and stability. The fact that such a person is allowed to go free and attempt to rebuild such a group is concerning, and the focus will always be on the preservation of a fair, just, and safe society.